Young care leaver wins Centrepoint award as housing benefit reforms arrive
Kent advocate Hayleigh Evans receives Centrepoint’s Partner Award, coinciding with new Housing Benefit changes aimed at easing work barriers for young people.
Hayleigh Evans, a 22‑year‑old former care leaver from Kent, will receive Centrepoint’s Partner Award at a London ceremony later this month.
Evans entered the care system at the age of ten after her family home became untenable, and her grandmother left a 18‑year nursing career to look after her and her siblings.
She recalls the early years as a maze of rotating social workers, saying, “When I was younger, there were a lot of social workers involved at different times.” I struggled to connect with them as I thought they were all just doing it because it was their job – not because they wanted to help me.”
Over the past decade, the Young Lives Foundation in Kent has supported Evans, helping her build confidence and find her voice as an advocate for other care‑exited young people.
Through the charity’s programmes she identified a tendency to judge herself harshly, but also discovered a natural empathy that she now channels into campaigning.
Evans now sits on the Children in Care Council, where officials and councillors regularly seek her perspective on policy affecting care‑experienced youth.
Her Leaving Care Mentor, Amy Hughes, praised her, stating, “I met Hayleigh four years ago and was immediately impressed.” Seeing her talk so passionately about other young people and wanting to support them is so admirable.
I look up to her – I’m just really proud.”
When told she had won the award, Evans said, “When I found out that I won an award, I was speechless.” It’s really rewarding as it shows you are doing something right.
When I was younger, it was hard for me to express myself but now people are recognising me. It’s not just for me, but for other young people as well.”
The award recognises her role in highlighting the chronic shortage of affordable, stable housing for care leavers, a group that often falls through the safety net.
Centrepoint, the youth homelessness charity that sponsors the award, announced a new Housing Benefit rule taking effect in October.
The policy introduces an earned‑income disregard for claimants in supported housing and temporary accommodation, meaning a larger portion of a young person’s earnings will be ignored when benefits are calculated.
Lisa Doyle, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Centrepoint, welcomed the change: “This is a significant victory for those trying to escape homelessness, particularly young people at the start of their careers, who have so far found their ambitions blocked by the system.”
She added, “This would not have been possible without our partners and campaigners, particularly those who have joined our calls for the government to make work pay.”
Centrepoint estimates the previous “benefit trap” affected more than 30,000 young people in supported housing, discouraging them from taking additional work hours.
Last year, 118,000 young people experienced homelessness in the UK – roughly one every four minutes.
The new disregard is expected to reduce the financial cliff edge that previously forced many to choose between work and a roof over their heads.
In parallel, Centrepoint launched the Centreprise programme, aimed at nurturing entrepreneurial skills among young people.
Sixteen participants from London and Bradford received mentorship, training and the chance to pitch business ideas to a panel of established entrepreneurs.
Sadie Odeogberin, Head of Centrepoint Works, said, “All young people want to work but there are some who aren’t given the support or opportunities to do so.” Centreprise is changing that.”
Alison Fortescue, a long‑time donor, highlighted the impact of a £1 million legacy gift that will fund the initiative for the next five years.
She remarked, “I was so impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people participating in Centreprise; their commitment and ambitions are truly inspiring.”
Evans will attend the awards ceremony accompanied by her grandmother, whose sacrifice she credits as a cornerstone of her resilience.
The recognition comes as the UK government moves to overhaul the benefits framework that has long hindered young people’s transition from care to independent adulthood.
Advocates like Evans hope the combined effect of policy reform and grassroots support will translate into fewer youths facing homelessness and more pathways to stable, dignified living.